A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir

'If there’s one trait that makes someone well suited to comedy, it’s being able to take a punch—metaphorically and, occasionally, physically.From growing up in a family of firefighters on Staten Island to commuting three hours a day to high school and “seeing the sights” (like watching a Russian woman throw a stroller off the back of a ferry), to attending Harvard while Facebook was created, Jost shares how he has navigated the world like a slightly smarter Forrest Gump.You’ll also discover things about Jost that will surprise and confuse you, like how Jimmy Buffett saved his life, how Czech teenagers attacked him with potato salad, how an insect laid eggs inside his legs, and how he competed in a twenty-five-man match at WrestleMania (and almost won). You’ll go behind the scenes at SNL and Weekend Update (where he’s written some of the most memorable sketches and jokes of the past fifteen years). And you’ll experience the life of a touring stand-up comedian—from performing in rural college cafeterias at noon to opening for Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall.For every accomplishment (hosting the Emmys), there is a setback (hosting the Emmys). And for every absurd moment (watching paramedics give CPR to a raccoon), there is an honest, emotional one (recounting his mother’s experience on the scene of the Twin Towers’ collapse on 9/11). Told with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, A Very Punchable Face reveals the brilliant mind behind some of the dumbest sketches on television, and lays bare the heart and humor of a hardworking guy—with a face you can’t help but want to punch.'______________________________4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.A Very Punchable Face is comedian and actor, Colin Jost's debut book and is a comedic autobiography.The only type of memiors/autobiographies I read are by comedians or comedic actors because (for the most part) I know that an entire book dedicated to the life and ponderings of just one individual will not be interesting enough to me to stick with unless it's funny.I really enjoy Colin and Michael Che on Weekend Update on SNL, I think they're so funny together and play off of each other very well. So when I saw that Colin had written his own book, I made sure to order a copy when it first came out...but then it took me several months before it climbed to the top of my TBR list. But I have finally read it!I wasn't sure about the book going into it because not everyone can pull off being funny in print without falling flat. But he IS a comedy writer professionally, so looking back my worry was quite unnecessary. He is a really talented comdic writer and so A Very Punchable Face has been one of my favorite books from this genre that I have read, he has the perfect blend of confinence and self-deprication that I love and that I find really amusing.He shares some fairly embarassing stories with us, which I adored. I don't need to read a bunch of punched up stories to make them sound perfect and unrelatable. But with a title like A Very Punchable Face it was guaranteed that he wouldn't be afraid to take some shots at himself. Jost also included a very sweet and harrowing chapter about his mother and her experiences from 9/11 when, as chief medical examiner for the NYC Fire Department, she responded to the call to action when the first plane struck. And you guys, he majored in Russian Lit! As someone who majored in Classical Languages, I have a serious soft spot for dummies like me that made such a nerdy and reckless choice for their future.I didn't really know anything about him to start, except for what I have seen on SNL. But I now know that he is just such a nerd with a tendency toward social awkwardness and the heart, it flutters. I don't know if he is planning to write any further books, but if he does, I'll be reading them.

Just love Colin Jost! Light, funny, quick read.

Being a 40+ year fan of SNL, yes, I’m that old, I felt compelled to read Jost’s book. Weekend News and most of the cold opens are the best parts of the show. There has been a plethora of comedic talent on the show, but the writing so uneven, it’s hard to watch some sketches. After reading Jost’s book, I now know why. The whole production involves overworked, sleep deprived, and possibly drunk writers and staff who can’t possibly produce great stuff consistently. If Jost wants to improve the show, he should use his obvious intellect and stature as head writer to find ways for talented people to have a working environment that can generate quality work. Most current work has way too many sexual overtones that were funny the first 100 times they were directed at middle school audience members. But I digress, and honestly don’t expect that this review will get read among the 3700 other ones, and maybe because I’m not saying anything glowing, yet, and not trying to be hilarious myself.I appreciate your comment about how “hard” you worked to get where you are … in the corporate world, we try to encourage working “smart”, not hard for better results. Honestly, a whole chapter on “sh**ing” your pants? Here’s a hint, stop eating greasy burgers and fries, cue eating at an airport Five Guys then getting on a plane for several hours. Deplaning, one sprints by the greeting open arms of loved ones straight to the nearest restroom to discover that the concealed gas emission in flight produced a pretty big brown stain on outer and undergarments. (Not saying this happened to me.)It’s amazing that all you ever wanted to do was be a comedian and write funny stuff. OK, the world needs that to keep our sanity, plus endorphins, so I guess you’re contributing. The fact is, I love clever, comedic writing. It is medicinal, but it ain’t astrophysics, so don’t get a big head, oh wait, you already have one. Bottom line, though, I wouldn’t punch you if I met you, I would hold your face and kiss your cheeks for giving me a few days reading your book pumping those endorphins and concurrently adding to Cosmo’s college fund - win/win. It may have extended my life. Keep up the good “work”.

thank you Colin for writing this book, i cried so hard in the final lines.

Lo compré como regalo por las reseñas y porque el extracto me pareció divertido e ingenioso. A la persona le gustó mucho, realmente es un buen escritor de comedia. Muy recomendable el libro.

I've been watching SNL for years and had absolutely no idea that Colin Jost did standup!This is a humerous, self-deprecating book that covers a lot of ground. There's Colin's upbringing in Staten Island, going to Harvard and then his progression through SNL. The Saturday Night Live bits are genuinely interesting and insightful - there's a few tongue-in-cheek moments but he does spill some beans.Man... is he accident-prone, innocent and a magnet for embarrassing problems! I don't know if comedians get themselves into these situations, or these situations create a comedian, but they are all cringeworthy, funny and believable.He really does seem to be genuinely surprised at what life has turned up, and comes across as a guy you'd like to have as a buddy.It's a funny book and an easy read - not sure whether it will interest anyone who doesn't know SNL though. 4 stars if you're an SNL fan, and probably quite a few less if you're not.

Funny stories and my favourite one is when Colin Jost got bite by a botfly! But it doesn’t have an ending tho?

Leia esse livro. Em todos os momentos você vai rir desesperadamente.Muitas histórias diferentes e engraçadas.Ele realmente é muito mais que um apresentador . Very Good!